At least, that has to be the end game. Right? There’s no way PSG can think holding a coach in the last year of his deal after he seems ready to go could possibly be good for their 2013-14 campaign. They may not like the fact the Ancelotti wants to leave, but holding him to the last year of the deal – especially when you’re capable of drawing a high-profile replacement – would be foolhardy, particularly in the face of possible compensation.

What may really be happening is a stall. One of the big fears PSG should have is whether the loss of Ancelotti could lead to some of their players requesting similar moves, unsettled by the loss of a well-respected manager. Before Ancelotti’s allowed to go, PSG need to have a plan of succession in place, identifying a man whose clout with the squad can replace that of Ancelotti’s. Denying Real now only to grant their request later gives them time to line up a replacement.

And getting that man shouldn’t be too difficult, even if you’re unlikely to find a man with Ancelotti’s reputation. But if Jupp Heynckes wins on Saturday, his hiring wouldn’t keep PSG’s project in track? (Though that seems like a very unlikely hiring.) Or if you wanted to snag an up-and-coming manager, a man with Michael Laudrup’s playing career would immediately command respect from PSG’s dressing room. And potentially the best fit, Laurent Blanc, is also readily available.

PSG’s executive are smart enough to know this, as are Real’s. While you’re sure to see some headlines that hint the Parisians are flashing their claws, expect Ancelotti to be in Madrid when the 2013-14 season begins.